Traffic congestion happens in Miami, Hollywood, and across South Florida. Older roads, heavy reliance on traffic, bad weather, construction, and lots of residents and tourists can all contribute to traffic.
Congestion on the roads does not just lead to delays and frustration. It can also cause car accidents and even chain-reaction car collisions. When people are in a rush, they may get impatient and drive too close. Many Miami rear-end shunt collisions happen this way. Heavy traffic can also cause instances of road rage, which itself can lead to injuries.
While traffic is a fact of life, there are many ways you can avoid the risk of injuries which come with it:
- Try to avoid congestion: Use apps and traffic reports to plan your routes, so you can avoid congestion where you can. Get familiar with alternate routes.
- Give yourself extra time: Whether you expect extra traffic or not, giving yourself plenty of time to get to your destination lets you relax and focus, even if the journey takes longer. You may be more likely to be in a crash if you’re stressed and distracted by the time.
- Avoid tailgating: In traffic, people often leave little room because they don’t want impatient drivers trying to push their way in. However, driving too closely can mean you risk a rear-end shunt crash if the car in front of you stops suddenly. Try to leave yourself enough room to maneuver.
- Adjust your speed: In heavy traffic, slow down and stay alert. Drive defensively, thinking a few moves ahead. Stay alert for emergency responders, road crews, and police and get ready to follow their directions.
- Stay calm: While congestion is upsetting, do your best to stay calm and focused. Try to see what may be causing the delay and stay alert to what is happening around you.
- Expect the unexpected: When a traffic jam happens, others around you may become more aggressive in trying to push ahead or may even make illegal maneuvers, such as driving the wrong way or in prohibited areas to try to get out of the congestion. Some people may leave their cars and walk around to see what is happening. Keep scanning the road all around you so you’re not surprised.
- Cut distraction: It can be tempting to try to make a quick call to let someone know you’re going to be late or to vent about traffic, but unless the traffic has completely stopped it may not be safe to do so. Where possible, have a passenger alert your destination of the traffic.
Unfortunately, bad traffic can bring out reckless behavior in some drivers. If you have been injured in Miami or anywhere in South Florida, contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free accident consultation with a Miami car collision attorney. Our legal team can explore your options and can help you understand whether you may qualify for a legal claim to help cover your health care, car repair, and other costs. Your first consultation with us is free and comes with no obligation.